A once low-profile special election in Texas has drawn intense attention due to major financial involvement from the casino industry, turning the race into a high-stakes political showdown.
Republican Candidate John Huffman Receives Major Casino-Linked Support
John Huffman, a Republican and former Southlake mayor, is vying for the Texas Senate District 9 seat in the upcoming November 4 special election. His campaign has attracted significant financial contributions from organizations tied to Las Vegas Sands, a global casino conglomerate led by Dr. Miriam Adelson.
Campaign finance disclosures reveal that the Texas Sands PAC, which represents Las Vegas Sands’ political interests, donated $500,000 to Huffman’s campaign in late September. Additionally, the Texas Defense PAC—primarily funded by Adelson—has spent nearly $600,000 on pro-Huffman advertising.
Together, these contributions account for approximately 94% of Huffman’s total campaign funding.
Political analysts view this influx of casino-related funding as a calculated effort by Las Vegas Sands to gain traction in Austin after repeated failures to legalize casino gambling across Texas. The company is positioning itself for future legislative battles by backing candidates aligned with its interests.
Election Spotlights Broader Gambling Debate in Texas
Las Vegas Sands has long advocated for the introduction of resort-style casinos in Texas, arguing that such developments would boost tax revenue, create jobs, and keep gambling dollars from flowing to neighboring states like Louisiana and Oklahoma. With successful operations in Macau and Singapore, the company is eyeing a potential flagship casino near Dallas.
Huffman, who identifies as a fiscal conservative, believes that voters should decide whether to expand gambling through referendums rather than lawmakers. He supports limiting casino development to a small number of licensed resorts. He opposes the widespread installation of slot machines and unregulated electronic gaming, citing concerns about the impact on the community.
His Republican rival, Leigh Wambsganss, takes a firm stance against any expansion of gambling. She argues that the heavy influence of casino money threatens the integrity of the electoral process and cautions voters against candidates heavily funded by wealthy special interests. Wambsganss also refutes claims linking her to the gaming industry through her husband’s past business dealings.
Online Texas Casinos
Current Texas gambling laws forbid tribal casinos from offering their games online. However, there are no laws that make offshore casino sites illegal to play. While online Texas casinos have been accepting players from the Lone Star State for years, they are all operating from outside of state lines.
Popular online casino games include blackjack, video poker, slots, roulette, and more. You can also find live dealer games that feature blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more. While lawmakers in Texas are floating the idea of commercial casinos, online casino sites are building player pools across the state and offering a reputable gaming experience.